Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Maryland Terrapins Predictions October 17, 2026
Maryland will beat Rutgers 31-27 in our Oct. 17 forecast, with the Terrapins’ season-long red-zone scoring success providing the strongest reason to favor them at home. Their limited passing output against Ohio State keeps confidence low. Neither Maryland -4.5 (-110) nor the 58.5-point total offers a convincing betting edge, so the official SportsJaw recommendation is Pass.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs Maryland Terrapins prediction and best bet
Maryland is the pick, but the distinction between winning and covering matters here. The Terrapins had scored on 24 of 26 red-zone possessions through Oct. 10. That finishing record gives them a plausible route to winning a close game, although it is not a verified advantage over Rutgers’ defense.
The best bet is Pass. A Maryland 31, Rutgers 27 projection puts the winning margin below Maryland -4.5 and the combined score barely below 58.5. Those narrow differences are too fragile to justify either wager, especially with Rutgers coming off a bye.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Date and venue: Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at SECU Stadium. Maryland hosts Rutgers for its 2026 college football homecoming game.
Broadcast: Big Ten Network. Maryland also lists coverage on Maryland Sports Radio Network.
Record: Maryland enters at 2-4 overall and 0-3 in Big Ten play after its Oct. 10 loss at Ohio State.
SportsJaw moneyline: Rutgers +170; Maryland -200.
SportsJaw spread: Rutgers +4.5 (-110); Maryland -4.5 (-110). Total: Over 58.5 (-110); Under 58.5 (-110).